March 31, 2016 Supervisor Workshop Meeting Minutes

The Westfall Township Board of Supervisors held a workshop meeting on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 7:02 pm at the Township Building on Delaware Drive and LaBarr Lane, Westfall Township.

Those present were Chairman, Robert Melvin; Vice Chairman, Jerry Dotey; Supervisors, Lester Buchanan, Robert Bostinto and Paul Fischer; Solicitor, Robert Bernathy and Secretary, Jodi Hulse. Also present were Road Master, William Schneider; Chief Rob Llewellyn; Chief Tom Lamb, John Dalton, Ralph Burger, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sherlock. Approximately 12 members of the general public were in attendance.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE took place.

PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.

OLD BUSINESS:

Township Building Generator: Discussion followed regarding the project and the expense. Vice Chairman Dotey mentioned a diesel generator which was donated to the Mill Rift Fire Department from the Pike County Administration Building. Mr. Burger was present and answered a few general questions. Supervisor Buchanan suggested moving the Emergency Management Office to the Township Building if the installation eventually takes place.

Additional discussion followed.

Mr. Burger stated the unit would take three weeks to come in and then be installed. Mr. Dalton questioned annual maintenance. Mr. Burger confirmed the cost would be $600 to $700 per year for full service.

Chairman Melvin advised Secretary Hulse to place the matter on the agenda for the April 4, 2016 Supervisor Meeting.

Highway Department: Mr. Schneider referenced an outline which he presented to the Board. He presented photos of four areas of concern (Heaters Hill across from Henchel Road, Wall from Signware Court, River Road-Mill Rift, and Decker Lane) which are in order of priority. Mr. Bernathy confirmed with Mr. Schneider that none of the issues affect the health, safety and welfare of the residents or public.

Discussion followed. Vice Chairman Melvin advised Secretary Hulse to place this matter (Engineering for future road projects) on the agenda for the April 4, 2016 Supervisor Meeting. And to also ask Mr. Hudak from Kiley Associates, LLC to be present.

Next on Mr. Schneider’s outline was DEP Permit for clearing Stream at Driller’s Pond. Discussion followed. Chairman Melvin advised Secretary Hulse to place this matter (Apply for DEP Permit) on the agenda for the April 4, 2016 Supervisor Meeting.

The next matter on Mr. Schneider’s outline was Relocation of the curve in the road near Polatnick property in Mill Rift specifically approval for surveyor to mark out the area. Mr. Schneider explained and showed the map to the Board. Supervisor Buchanan advised Secretary Hulse to place the matter on the agenda of the Supervisor meeting following Mr. Smith, Surveyor’s response with estimate.

Number four on Mr. Schneider’s outline was “Tort Liability”. He explained the procedure he and the Highway Deparment follows to make sure of compliance for Worker’s Comp requirements. Discussion followed. Mr. Schneider wanted to make the Board aware of his procedure. He reminded the Board that he provided the information to them in the past and also to Solicitor Bernathy for review.

The next item on Mr. Schneider’s outline list was “Sale of 2003 F-550 Mason Dump Truck with plow and sander”. Discussion followed. Chairman Melvin advised Secretary Hulse to place this matter on the agenda for the April 4, 2016 Supervisor Meeting for review and action.

The next matter discussed was “Guide Rail Replacement”. Mr. Schneider discussed a few areas which need attention. The Board recommended he obtain pricing and present it at a later date for discussion.

There was a brief discussion regarding curbs and trees in the Township right of ways. Mr. Schneider stated he has brought this to the attention of the Planning Commission for future consideration.

Fire Hydrant Snow removal was the next item on Mr. Schneider’s outline. Solicitor Bernathy stated this needs to be addressed and he is working on it with the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Matamoras. He addressed the proposed Resolution regarding water line replacement with the Board. Chairman Melvin advised Secretary Hulse to place the matter (Resolution with Matamoras Water Authority) on the agenda for the April 4, 2016 Supervisor Meeting.

Mr. Schneider stated there is an issue throughout the Township regarding draining of private roadways onto Township roadways. Discussion followed.

The next matter on Mr. Schneider’s outline was Highway Occupancy Permits. He stated someone other than the Road Master should be approving and signing the permits if water runoff is affecting other properties. He suggested this is an engineering matter.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock addressed the Board. They stated that nothing ever changes. Discussion took place regarding water runoff issues on their property on Delaware Drive. Additional discussion followed. Solicitor Bernathy explained that they may possible have a private cause of action against an adjacent property owner for trespass of water. Discussion was also held regarding the responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors pertaining to Building and Zoning. He stated that the Board does not regulate residential development.

The next matter on Mr. Schneider’s outline was the Pearce House “cut across”. He showed photos to the Board.

Discussion took place regarding the Pearce House Highway Occupancy Permit.

ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm on a motion by Vice Chairman Dotey, seconded by Supervisor Bostinto. Motion carried with all in favor.